Heated Towel rails are a very popular addition to modern bathrooms as they not only serve as an additional source of heat (and sometimes, the only source of heat!) but they also provide warm towels when you need them, which will make you feel like you’re getting a 4-star hotel VIP treatment.
Whether you’ve been looking to replace an old bathroom heater or are looking to get your first towel rail installed, in this post, I want to cover some of the things you need to consider when choosing a heated towel rail or bathroom radiator.
Which type of heating do you need?
Consider where you are looking to place your heater and whether pipework is accessible in that area. If you have the necessary pipes, you can choose a heated towel rail connected to your central heating – or a dual fuel system.
If you don’t have pipes, it may be easier and more affordable to opt for an electric towel rail that will only need to be connected to a plug socket. Just make sure that the radiator isn’t going to be directly exposed to a lot of water.
Choosing the right size
Nowadays, you won’t be limited for choice when it comes to sizes, so you can’t choose the one that you need and fit perfectly in your space. Horizontal and vertical models both exist, so you can opt for the one that will fit best in your bathroom. Make sure to take measurements to see how much space you have available.
Heat output is also to consider when you’re looking at the size – you don’t want to buy a radiator that won’t be able to provide enough heat or the opposite (in which case you’d be wasting money overheating a room). You’ll find many calculators online which will help you understand what you need in terms of heat and size.
Picking a beautiful finish or colour
Now that you have a better idea of the type of heating system you need and the size you require, it’s time to pick a style and a finish. From contemporary to traditional, you’ll find a wide variety of styles available that will be able to complement your décor. Ladder-style towel rails are a popular option, but you can find more unique styles that can turn a radiator into a showstopping piece in your bathroom.
When selecting a finish or colour, there are nowadays so many available that you may feel dizzy just looking at your options. When in doubt, chrome electric radiators will work in any bathroom and with all colour palettes. If you don’t want a bold colour but fancy something slightly different, opt for a semi-matt finish like satin or polished finishes.
If you want your towel rail to stand out, consider picking a more daring colour like copper or gold. Black and anthracite are also popular if you want to create contrast with light walls.
Consider your budget
Like everything else, you’ll have to decide on how much you want to spend on your new radiator. Prices can vary wildly depending on the size, finish, brand or retailer, so it doesn’t hurt to look around and compare different brands. You may be able to find that a brand offers a very similar and more affordable version of a model you have spotted, so it’s worth considering when you’re shopping for a towel rail.
All that’s left to do is then get that shiny new radiator fitted (either by yourself or a professional), and you’re good to go! If you’ve enjoyed this post, we have more articles where we talk about home decoration, renovation, DYI and more!
